Pralarn Pier

Pralarn Pier, also known as Maenam or Lomprayah Ferry Pier, is more than a docking point; it’s a gateway to the serene landscapes and picturesque regions surrounding Samui Island. Located in the northern part of Samui, at the western end of Maenam Beach, it serves as a significant launching point for explorers of the island’s treasures.

Read about:
• Location of Pralarn Pier
• Ferry piers on Koh Samui
• Services from Pralarn Pier
• Pralarn Pier Facilities
• Getting to Pralarn Pier

Location of Pralarn Pier

Pralarn Pier’s strategic location, specifically at Maenam Beach’s western terminus, positions it as a critical component of the maritime network around Samui Island. It’s not only a tranquil hub connecting travelers to adventure but also a starting point to explore hidden gems like the adjacent underrated beach.

While Pralarn Pier is pivotal, it is also crucial for travelers to understand its connectivity with the broader network of piers in Koh Samui, which opens up various travel possibilities.

Ferry piers on Koh Samui

There are four main ferry piers in Koh Samui serving as transportation hubs, connecting to neighboring islands and the Thai mainland:

• Nathon Pier: Located on the northwest coast, it is the largest and main pier, offering services to various destinations including Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Donsak Pier on the mainland, with good facilities like restaurants, shops, and waiting areas.
• Maenam/Pralarn Pier: A popular departure point, especially for ferries to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, it has more limited amenities but is conveniently located near the airport.
• Bangrak Pier: Situated near Chaweng Beach, it serves ferries headed to Koh Phangan and is closest to the airport, offering easy access for tourists staying in the Chaweng area.
• Lipa Noi: Situated on Koh Samui’s serene west coast, Lipa Noi Pier provides a laidback gateway to the island and its famous beaches compared to the bustle of Koh Samui’s other main pier, Nathon.

The choice between these piers depends on factors like destination, preferred operator, facilities required, and proximity to accommodation.

Services from Pralarn Pier

Lomprayah’s high-speed catamaran services dominate at Pralarn Pier, offering seamless connections to the local islands for locals and tourists alike. The well-timed services and strategic location near the airport enable travelers to optimize their island experiences efficiently.

Efficient Routes to Key Destinations

• Traveling to Koh Tao: Lomprayah ensures swift journeys to Koh Tao with several daily services, costing THB 700 per adult for a 1h 30m ferry journey in a catamaran.
• Venturing to Koh Phangan: For Koh Phangan, varied options including speedboats and high-speed ferries are available from as early as 08:00, with prices ranging from THB 250 to THB 550 per adult.
• Journeys to Surat Thani: Services to Surat Thani include a direct 1h 30m ferry journey and a 2h Ferry+Van combo, priced at THB 700 and THB 850 per adult respectively, with guaranteed connections and instant confirmation.

Pralarn Pier Facilities

Despite its modest facilities, Pralarn Pier’s services, provided predominantly by Lomprayah, and its strategic location make it an essential part of the journey for travelers. Here, a small supermarket, a restaurant with free wifi, ticket offices, relaxation areas, and bathroom facilities cater to travelers’ needs, offering convenience during waits.

Getting to Pralarn Pier

Transitioning from Koh Samui Airport to Pralarn Pier is seamless with various transit options. Direct your taxi to Maenam Village and you’ll be brought to the marina entrance, easily identifiable by traffic lights and a police booth.

The taxi ride from the airport to Pralarn Pier typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and it’s recommended to allow at least two hours post-flight arrival to accommodate any unforeseen delays, such as luggage collection.

For added convenience, Lomprayah has a booking desk in the arrivals hall of the airport, allowing travelers to arrange transit via taxi or Lomprayah shuttle bus immediately upon arrival, ensuring you leave the airport and commence your journey to Pralarn Pier without unnecessary delays. Taxis are a popular choice for their immediate availability and direct transit to the pier, while shuttle buses also remain a viable, frequently available option at the arrivals for ferry connections.

Additionally, travelers can utilize scheduled taxi services from Maenam Pier for exploration, including services to Na Thon Pier and Samui Airport, which are priced from around THB 800 and THB 900 respectively, and 1h Van+Taxi services by Lomprayah to various destinations in Koh Samui at THB 150 per adult.

Pralarn Pier is a strategic gateway to various destinations around Samui Island, offering travelers a unique glimpse into traditional Thai lifestyles and access to beautiful, serene beaches.

How do you get to Pralarn Pier from Koh Samui Airport?

Use taxis or Lomprayah’s shuttle buses from the airport, costing around 500 baht and 100 baht, respectively.

Which ferry services operate at Pralarn Pier?

Lomprayah and Songserm, with varied schedules for destinations like Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.

Can I get accommodations and other services easily from Pralarn Pier?

Yes, with options like combined tickets for hotel transfers due to the scarcity of taxis, and variations in arrival points for convenience and flexibility.

Is Pralarn Pier’s location strategic for travelers?

A: Yes, it’s near the airport and offers shorter transit to popular destinations, ideal for those with flights or avoiding overnight stays in Koh Samui.

Do arrival points in Koh Samui vary?

A: Yes, with operators like Lomprayah and Seatran arriving at different piers, influencing choices based on accommodation locations and preferences.

Why is Mae Nam / Pralarn Pier important?

It’s a central hub for ferries, like Lomprayah and Songserm, connecting to islands like Koh Tao and Koh Samui, strategically located near Koh Samui Airport.